I got a comment after the DIG yesterday asking if I could maybe write about some of Jesus’ other “difficult” messages and comments, so I’m planning to write about some over the next few days.
So, does Jesus want us all to sell all our goods and give the money away to the poor?
Well, most Christians will say no; they will say this is a picture for us showing that we can never be perfect through our actions.
And this is a correct understanding of this passage (Matthew 19 v 16 to 22).
The young man felt that he was following the law; he felt he was good enough through his own efforts.
But Jesus pointed out that he was not perfect, and just in case he did not believe Him, Jesus “added on” one extra work.
By telling the man to sell all his goods and give the money away Jesus was saying you could never achieve perfection yourself.
The law was always too hard to fulfil, and Jesus just made it even harder for this religious young man.
Jesus was pointing out that people needed a Saviour, that they could not achieve perfection in their own efforts.
Jesus never expected men to take this verse literally and apply it to believers.
As New Covenants believers we need to understand that we do not take literally everything that Jesus said, that is not rightly dividing the Word.
We are not under law and living under the Old Covenant, Jesus spoke most of His words in this context.
Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord that I live under grace and not under law”.
Matthew 19 v 21…..Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me
Heilan Word Ministries 